Mall Drop only requests permissions that are necessary for specific features. Here's a transparent explanation of each permission and why it's needed.
Last Updated: 10 April 2026Mall Drop requests different permissions depending on your role (buyer, vendor, courier) and which features you use. All permissions are requested at the time of use — we never collect data from a permission you haven't granted.
Your control: You can grant or revoke any permission at any time through your device's Settings app. Revoking a permission may limit certain features but will not prevent you from using the core App.
Why we need it: Mall Drop uses your camera to let you take photos for product listings (vendors), profile pictures, and store assets. Instead of selecting an existing image, you can capture a new one directly.
Who uses it: Vendors (product and store photos), all users (profile pictures).
When it's requested: Only when you tap the camera option in the image upload flow.
If you deny it: You can still upload images from your photo library. Camera capture will be unavailable.
Why we need it: Allows you to select existing photos from your device to upload as product images, store assets, or your profile picture.
Who uses it: Vendors (product and store images), all users (profile pictures).
When it's requested: When you tap "Choose from Library" in any image upload dialog.
If you deny it: You can still take new photos using the camera, but cannot select from your existing photo library.
Why we need it: Allows Mall Drop to save order confirmations, receipts, and delivery proof images directly to your photo library for your records.
Who uses it: Buyers (order confirmations), couriers (delivery proof).
When it's requested: When you tap "Save to Photos" on a receipt or confirmation screen.
If you deny it: Receipts and confirmations remain available in the app but cannot be saved as images to your device.
Why we need it: Location access enables delivery tracking on the map, finding nearby stores, selecting delivery addresses, and providing accurate shipping quotes.
Who uses it: Buyers (delivery tracking, nearby stores), vendors (store location setup), couriers (delivery navigation).
When it's requested: When you first open a feature that uses maps or location (e.g., delivery tracking, store finder).
If you deny it: You can still use Mall Drop for shopping and selling, but map-based features and automatic address detection will be unavailable. You can enter addresses manually.
Why we need it: Couriers need background location tracking so buyers can see real-time delivery progress even when the courier app is minimised. This ensures accurate, continuous tracking from pickup to drop-off.
Who uses it: Couriers only, and only during active deliveries.
When it's requested: When a courier accepts their first delivery and the app needs to track location in the background.
If you deny it: Delivery tracking will only update when the app is in the foreground. Buyers may see delayed location updates.
Privacy note: Background location is only collected during active deliveries. When you go offline or have no active jobs, no location data is collected.
Why we need it: Allows you to log in using Face ID (iOS) or fingerprint (Android) instead of typing your password every time. Also used to confirm your identity before processing payments, adding an extra layer of security.
Who uses it: All users who choose to enable biometric login during security setup, and buyers during payment confirmation.
When it's requested: When you enable biometric authentication in your account security settings, or when confirming a payment at checkout.
If you deny it: You'll use your password and PIN to log in and confirm payments. No impact on other features.
Why we need it: Mall Drop may use your microphone for voice-based product search, allowing you to search for products hands-free.
Who uses it: Buyers using voice search.
When it's requested: When you tap the voice search icon in the search bar.
If you deny it: Voice search will be unavailable. You can still search by typing text.
Why we need it: Allows you to share store links with friends and contacts directly from the App.
Who uses it: All users who want to share stores with their contacts.
When it's requested: When you use the "Share with a friend" feature on a store page.
If you deny it: You can still share store links manually via copy-paste or other sharing methods.
Why we need it: Mall Drop requires an internet connection to communicate with our servers, process payments, load product listings, track deliveries, and sync your data.
Who uses it: All users. This is a core requirement.
When it's requested: Automatically granted on all platforms — no prompt is shown.
If unavailable: The app will not function without internet connectivity.
Why we need it: Sends you updates about order status changes, delivery progress, new messages in support tickets, vendor application approvals, and important account alerts.
Who uses it: All users.
When it's requested: Shortly after first launch or when a notification-worthy event first occurs.
If you deny it: You will not receive push notifications. You can still check updates manually in the App.
Not all permissions are relevant to every user. Here's a quick reference:
| Permission | Buyer | Vendor | Courier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | Profile photo | Product & store photos | Profile photo |
| Photo Library | Profile photo | Product & store images | Profile photo |
| Photo Library (Save) | Save receipts | - | Delivery proof |
| Location (In Use) | Track delivery, nearby stores | Store location | Navigation |
| Location (Background) | - | - | Live delivery tracking |
| Face ID / Biometrics | Secure login, payment confirmation | Secure login | Secure login |
| Microphone | Voice search | - | - |
| Contacts | Share stores | Share stores | - |
| Internet | Required | Required | Required |
| Notifications | Order updates | Order & approval alerts | Job alerts |
Tip: If you accidentally denied a permission and need it later, Mall Drop will guide you to your device settings when the feature requires it.
If you have questions about any permission or how your data is used, please reach out:
Email: privacy@bountifulai.co.za
General Support: contact@bountifulai.co.za